RECIPES: Recipe Details

Purple Haze Burgers

Seattleites are proud to claim Jimi Hendrix as one of their finest exports, long before a string of latte stands put us on the map. These burgers, served up on poppy seed rolls streaked a beautiful, bright purple, are named thus in Hendrixâ€™s honor. Theyâ€™ll rock your world.

Salsa: Coarsely chop the blueberries, in a food processor or by hand. Transfer to a bowl and add bell pepper, pineapple, shallot, basil, Zinfandel, lime zest and juice, and lavender. Stir together. Sprinkle with sea salt. Chill until needed.
Glaze: Heat jelly in a pan, stirring in Zinfandel, ponzu, and dijon mustard, until jelly liquefies. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly. Set aside to cool, for use on patties and bacon.
Blushed Mayo: To the mayonnaise add chopped mint, Zinfandel, and orange zest and juice. Stir together. Chill until needed.
Burgers: Shape six patties, incorporating salt and pepper. Make a slight indentation in the center of each. This will help keep the burgers from shrinking. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired. Prepare a medium hot fire in a charcoal grill with cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium high. Oil grates. (If using uncooked bacon, begin grilling ten to twelve minutes prior to adding patties.)
Grill patties for 4 minutes, turn and brush purple jalapeno glaze over tops. Cook an additional 3 minutes. Add pre-cooked bacon to grill, (if using), and brush remaining glaze over bacon slices. Top patties with slices of Drunken Goat Cheese. Close lid to melt cheese, about 1 1/2 minute. Remove bacon from grill and place on absorbent paper, if desired. Remove patties and set aside. Cut each piece of bacon in half. Scrap grates of residue if needed, and re-oil.
Rolls: If using regular Kaiser rolls, brush tops with egg white, and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Place split Kaiser rolls cut side down, and grill until toasted.
To assemble: Use a slotted spoon to a layer some salsa on the bottom roll. Top with burger and 1 1/2 slices of the now "candied" bacon. Next add, some red leaf lettuce, a slice of tomato, and another tablespoon of salsa. Spread blushed mayonnaise on toasted side of roll top, and place over all.
Serves 6.